Gavin McKenna poised for top NHL draft pick after strong NCAA season

Gavin McKenna, a standout from Penn State, is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft on June 26, 2026. Following a challenging start, McKenna excelled in the latter half of the season, scoring 33 points in 18 games, significantly improving his draft stock. His performance included a record-breaking single-game of 8 points against Ohio State. This marks a pivotal moment for Penn State hockey, which has struggled to attract high-level prospects since its inception as a varsity sport. The upcoming draft could address this trend, as Penn State anticipates multiple players being selected in the early rounds.

• 12:22 PMYahoo Sports — The McKenna Project